Rafael Benitez has denied speculation he has been axed by Inter Milan and reiterated his demand for president
Massimo Moratti to back him in the transfer window.

Not about to be sacked, apparently: Rafael Benitez (Action Images)

It was widely reported yesterday Moratti has decided to fire the Spanish coach over his comments following Inter’s 3-0 Club World Cup final win against TP Mazembe – when Benitez issued a ‘back me or sack me’ ultimatum.

But the former Liverpool boss, who is currently on holiday on Merseyside, said: ‘I have not been sacked. I am surprised that it has been reported as a done thing.’ An unrepentant Benitez added: ‘In order to win and to do well it is necessary to bring in reinforcements. Injuries have hindered us.’

Former Roma and current Zenit St Petersburg coach Luciano Spalletti is the favourite to replace Benitez, whose team lie seventh in Serie A, 13 points behind leaders and city rivals AC Milan.

Last term Inter won the Scudetto, Coppa Italia and Champions League under Jose Mourinho. Moratti, meanwhile, refused to discuss Benitez’s future yesterday.